Mass. casino's player's club points would be redeemable throughout central, western Mass.

Mohegan Sun Massachusetts announced today that patrons of the proposed Palmer, Mass., casino will be able to redeem their player's club points at participating businesses and tourist attractions in central and western Massachusetts.

The marketing program would generate as much as $60 million to $70 million a year in redeemable rewards points, Mohegan Sun Massachusetts said in a news release.

Mohegan Sun Massachusetts is one of three projects competing for the one western Massachusetts casino license the Massachusetts Gaming Commission is expected to award next year.

Typically, casino player's club programs offer points that are redeemable at the casino's own retail, hotel and food and beverage outlets.

"The Mohegan Sun Player's Club Card program will provide millions of dollars in discounts and rewards every year, and guests will be able to redeem points outside our resort casino to benefit the entire region," Mitchell Etess, chief executive officer of the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, said in the release.

"Mohegan Sun Massachusetts will be a true regional destination and a true partner with local business," Etess said. "This unique marketing program will enable us to further promote tourism and economic growth throughout western and central Massachusetts and directly drive business into the region."

Virtually any retail business that deals in goods and services would be eligible to participate in the program, which would be subject to the gaming commission's approval.